Device for the helicoidal moulding and unmoulding of natural and artificial fibres, especially hair

ABSTRACT

A device for the helicoidal curling or uncurling of natural and artificial fibers especially hair including a tubular body of heat conducting material with at least one helicoidal rib integral therewith and extending from one end of said to the other end thereof, for directing the fibers along said body when placed thereon so as to acquire permanent coils in the fibers when said body as heated, or cause the fibers to loose then initial curl and acquire another form, and pins capable of being positioned around said body to place pressure on said fiber coils.

O United States Patent 1191 [111 3,747,610 Serrat July 24, 1973 DEVICE FOR THE HELICOIDAL 3,204,645 9/1965 Sidelman 132/41 R MOULDING AND UNMOULDING 0F 2,767,719 10/1956 Warholak 132/40 1 2,482,052 9/1949 Zachary 132/34 NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FIBRES 3,073,318 l/1963 Catania 132 41 R ESPECIALLY HAIR Martin Llahi Serrlt, Diputacion 295, Barcelona, Spain Filed: Apr. 15, 1971 Appl. No.2 134,193

Inventor:

Foreign Application Priority Data Mar. 6, 1971 Spain UM 166,701

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/1964 Sidelman ..132/s4 8/1964 Chalfin et al. l32/40 Primary Examiner-Russell R. Kinsey Assistant Examiner-Gregory E. McNeill Attorney-Linton & Linton [57] ABSTRACT A device for the helicoidal curling or uncurling of natural and artificial fibers especially hair including a tubular body of heat conducting material with at least one helicoidal rib integral therewith and extending from one end of said to the other end thereof, for directing the fibers along said body when placed thereon so as to acquire permanent coils in the fibers when said body as heated, or cause the fibers to loose then initial curl and acquire another form, and pins, capable of being positioned around said body to place pressure on said fiber coils.

6 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures Patented July 24, 1973 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR MHRTIN LLAHI SERRRT ATTORNEY Patented July 24, 1973 3 Sheets-Sheet 7;

FIG.-

INVENTOR MARTIN LL/JHI SERRHT BY r052? ATTORNEYS Patented July 24, 1973 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 DEVICE FOR THE HELICOIDAL MOULDING AND UNMOULDING OF NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FIBRES, ESPECIALLY HAIR DESCRIPTIVE REPORT The present patent refers to a device designed, according to this new technique, to enable helicoidal and stable moulding and unmoulding of natural and artificial fibres, particularly of womens hair, which device offers several important advantages over the components used to date for the said purpose. In fact, the object of this application, in its application to the hairdressing trade, for example, has very superior qualities to the normal rollers and hair pins, all of which are based on and work according to the same outdated principle of structure and performance.

The new device in this application is essentially char acterized by the fact that his made up of a tubular body, or suitable material, shape and size, appearing in the periphery of the said body, at least one helicoidal rib, which runs from one base to the other of the said body, and whose purpose is to channel or direct the fibres or hair so that they acquire a helicoidal rolled position which, in the case of moulding, will produce in such fibres or hair, permanent coils thanks to joint thermal or chemical action any in any direction, while the unmoulding operation, these fibres or hair will lose theirinitial twist and will become straight or acquire another form as required, at the same time, there being, in all cases, to hold the saidfibres or hair during the treatment, some end projection components, situated at the base of the tubular body itself and designed to contain the material to be moulded or unmoulded, whose peripheric immobilization is ensured by some curved and suitably placed pins to ensure the correct pressure on the coils thus formed.

The tubular moulding or unmoulding body in question has its bases open, closed or one open and the other closed, in this latter case there being a lid which at the same time as it fits and closes the corresponding open base, serves as a hooking point for one of the projection elements holding the fibres or hair, while the other hooks on to the opposite closed base.

The tubular body itself is preferably conical or cylindrical in shape and on the outside always has one or more helicoidal ribs, which can be continuous or discontinuous and of the appropriate cross section, the discontinuous kind giving rise' to spaces or interruptions which facilitate the circulation of air, heat or the chemical agent used, the alluded conical or pyramidal shape enabling coils to be obtained in the fibres or hair or larger to smaller diametre or vice versa, according to the position of the tubular body referred to. The periphery of the said tubular body is smooth and continuous or has manifold holes between it or the helicoidal ribs, holes which are also designed for the circulation of air, heat and the chemical agent used in the treatment of the fibres or hair.

The end retaining elements of the fibres or hair are composed of two I-I shaped parts, in whose crosspieces there are stubs which combine with others enter- .ing, making one in the corresponding closed base of the for containing the winding which has to be moulded or unmoulded.

The said retainer elements of the fibres or hair can be simplified if they are composed of flanges which protrude from the two bases and which have prongs or radial projections suitable for limiting the rolling of those fibres or hair.

For a better understanding of the present specifications, two sheets of drawings are attached in which, only as an example, some practical cases of embodiment are represented of a moulding and unmoulding device for fibres or hair conceived according to the explanations given.

In these drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded cross section of the elements comprising a moulding and unmoulding device, of a tubular conical shape;

FIG. 2 is a semi-cross section of the same device, with the different parts fitted;

FIG. 3 corresponds to a plan view of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 show, also in a semi-cross section, two embodiment variants of the same device;

FIG. 6 represents the device in the heating stage by means of a heat transmitter bar;

FIG. 7 shows this same device in the operating stage, complete with a fixing pin for winding;

FIG. 8 shows a cylindrical tubular embodiment of the device in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are other versions of thiscylindrical device, similar to those in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 11 shows the heating stage of this cylindrical variant, in a similar way to that seen in FIG. 6;

FIGS. 12 and 13 indicate the possibility, both in a cylindri cal device. and in another conoidal one, of both having their two bases open, or one of them open and the other closed; and of being fitted with retaining means at the ends, somewhat different from those which appear in the foregoing drawings; and

FIG. 14 is a view of the cylindrical device with the fibres or hair wound round the periphery and before these are retained by the pin which can be seen in FIG. 7.

FIG. 15 is a side elevator ofthe curved pin.

FIG. 16 is atop view of FIG. 7.

The object of the application is composed of a tubular body (I), of suitable material and conical or pyramidal in shape, FIGS. 1 to 7 and 13, or cylindrical or prismatic, FIGS. 8 to 12 and 14, always of sufficient size for the purpose for which it is designed.

This body 1 has at least one helicoidal rib (2) in the outer surface or periphery, whose cross-section can vary, but which peferably, in half round, whose rib can be continuous, FIG. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, or discontinuous, FIGS. 4 and 9, giving rise, in this latter case, to spaces or interruptions (3) whose function is that of facilitating the circulation of air, heat or the chemcial agent used.

The wall of this body (1) can be completely smooth and continuous or have, FIGS. 5 and 10, some throughholes (4) with the same purpose as the aforementioned spaces (3). r

In all cases, the bases of the said body (1) can be both, open, or one closed and the other open, whichever is most suitable for treating the fibres or hair and.

the application of heat. In FIGS. 12 and 13 the two possibilities can be observed, indicating with dotted lines one of the possible closedbases.

This device is completed with a retaining element of the fibres or hair 5, FIGS. 7 and 1.4, which comprises, in one of the preferred embodiments, two H" shaped parts, composed of two lengthwise pieces (6) and one 3 crosspiece (7), from which a perpendicular stub (8) comes out, suitable for being placed into a cavity or hole (9) made in the closed base (10) and in a lid (11) which is fitted to the opposite open base. In FIGS. 2 and 8 it can be seen how the device is closed after it has been heated with the aid of a bar (12), FIG. 6 and 11, which is inserted by the corresponding base first opened of the body (1), base which is then closed, in the case of FIGS. 1 to 11, with the lid (11), required for applying the respective retaining element (6--78).

In the simplified variant seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, both if both bases are open and if one of them is closed and the other open, the fibres or hair are retained with the aid of simple end flanges (13), which are provided with teeth or radial prongs and which can be either at one end or base or in both, as shown with the dotted lines in the drawing, in which the possibility has also been indicated of one of the bases being closed by the bottom wall (10).

The bar (12), used as a means for transmitting the heat to the device or body (1), can either be fitted with internal electric heating elements or something similar, the general shape of the said bar coinciding with the inside of the body (1) for good adaptation purposes.

Once the device has been heated by means of this bar (12), it is closed with the lid (11) end to this and the opposite base (10), the H shaped components (6-7) are fitted, using for this purpose the press hook system (89). The fibres or hair (5) are wound round the unit prepared in this way, the position of the former being immobilized with the aid of suitable pins (14), FIG. 7, whose arms (15) are curved and are placed in a different direction to be able to adapt themselves in the corresponding spaces between the helicoidal rib (2), or which follow the slope of the coils formed by same.

According to FIGS. 7 and 14, the device has been applied to a woman s head, whose hair in strands (5) has been wound round the body (1), which, as has been indicated, can be conical or pyramidal (FIG. 7) or either cylindrical or prismatic (FIG. 14). In the first case, a progressive decrease in the diametre of the coils of hair is produced, whereas in the second the same moulding is obtained in all of them. According to the position of the conical body 1), the coils will have a larger to smaller diametre or vice versa. It is obvious that for unmoulding these fibres or hair (5), one proceeds in the same way, with the only difference that what initially was waved now becomes smooth or straight, or acquires a different curl, as wished.

Thanks to the end elements (6-78) in one of the cases, and to the flanges (13), in the other, and always to the special pins (14),the fibres and hair are held in place, as required, so that the heat or chemical effect can act on same, which will determine the moulding or unmoulding of the said material under treatment.

Regarding the construction possibilities and performance of the device explained, the following observations can be made:

a. Rib or ribs (2). A single rib or several can be provided, provided they have the alluded helicoidal shape to transfer it to the fibres or hair and to undo same when required. These ribs (2) can be continuous, and when they are interrupted, the steps or spaces (3) always determine other means of airing or heat circulation or of the chemical agent used.

b. Walls of the body (1). When these are provided with holes (4), these act both for aeration or circulation as quoted in the above paragraph.

c. Bases of the body (1). Both can be closed, both open or one open and the other shut.

d. End retainer means. Both in the case of the adjustable parts quoted and in making the flanges or prongs directly protruding from the body (1), the immobilizing effect to shape the fibres or hair is the same. In all embodiments, unintentional winding of the material is avoided thanks to the special pins (14).

e. Heat or chemical means. Either can be used for the purpose indicated, for moulding and unmoulding. The thermal action, carried out with the aid of the bar (12), has proved extremely effective, as the fibres or hair are affected by the heat from the inside outwards, which is the opposite of what usually occurs. This heat can also be used from the outside inwards. Using a chemical agent, the same functional principle is maintained of the device in as far as its helicoidal outside is concerned, and action can also be inwards or outwards.

f. Shape and materials. Regarding the former, they are those described (frustum of a cone, frustum of a pyramid, cylindrical and prismatic), and regarding the second, any consistent material can be used which is a good heat conductor and which resists chemical agents. Plastic has proved very suitable for all the parts making up the device in question. Regarding the cross-section of the rib(s) (2), the half cane is very successful, but another could be chosen provided it effectively contains or channels the fibres or rolled hair.

The applications of this device are very wide, as it can be used for treating (moulding and unmoulding) artificial and natural fibres (for example for obtaining curls or for straightening dolls hair) and for ladies natural hair. In this case, it is preferable to use a semi-hard material for the tubular body (1) so as not to harm the scalp and to give a spring effect to the strands of hair which are placed helicoidally on the device, both to shape it and to straighten it.

Independent from the object of the invention will be the materials dimensions, features of the channelling ribs of the fibres or hair, heating or chemical action systems, construction details of the means of retaining and fixing such fibres or hair, possible aeration or circulation of air elements, heat or chemical agents used and other particulars of a secondary nature which do not affect its essential principle.

As the object of the present Patent, the following is claimed l. A device for the helicoidalmoulding or unmoulding of natural and artificial fibres, especially hair, comprising a tubular body of heat conducting material, the periphery of said body having at least one heloicoidal rib being integral with said body and which runs from one end of said body to the other, end retainer elements secured at the ends of said tubular body and capable of fixing the material to be moulded or unmoulded and pins with curved arms adapted to be positioned around said tubular body to ensure the correct pressure on the coils thereby formed.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which said body periphery is smooth and continuous between the spires of said helicoidal rib.

3. A device for the helicoidal moulding or unmoulding of natural and artificial fibres, especially hair, comprising a tubular body of heat conducting material, the

periphery of said body having at least one heloicoidal rib which runs from one end of said body to the other and whose function is to direct the hair therearound so that the hair acquires a helicoidally wound position whereby in the case of moulding, will produce in such hair permanent coils when said body is heated, whereas in the unmoulding operation, this hair will lose their initial curl and will acquire another form, as required, end retainer elements adapted to be secured at the ends of said tubular body and capable of containing the material to be moulded or unmoulded and pins with curved sides adapted to be POSITIONED AROUND SAID TUBULAR body to ensure the correct pressure on the coils thereby formed, said tubular body has at least one of its ends open and the other end closed, a lid closing said open end, retainer elements for the hair detachably connected to said lid and said body closed end.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3 in which said retainer elements are composed of two H shaped parts, whose crosspieces have stubs, said closed base of the said tubular body, and said lid having recesses in which said stubs are detachably inserted. 5.,A device as claimed in claim 3 in which said retainer elements comprise flanges which protrude from the two ends of said body and which have radial prongs suitable for limiting the winding of the hair.

6. A device for the helicoidal moulding or unmoulding of natural and artificial fibres, especially hair, comprising a tubular body of heat conducting material, the periphery of said body having at least one heloicoidal rib which runs from one end of said body to the other and whose function is to direct the hair therearound so that the hair acquires a helicoidally wound position whereby in the case of moulding, will produce in such hair permanent coils when said body is heated, whereas in the unmoulding operation, this hair will lose their initial curl and will acquire another form, as required, end retainer elements secured at the ends of said tubular body and capable of containing the material to be moulded or unmoulded and pins with curved sides adapted to be positioned around said tubular body to ensure the correct pressure on the coils thereby formed,said tubular body is of a frust-conical configuration and stiff material, said helicoidal rib being discontinuous providing interruptions therein which facilitate the circulation of the air, heat and chemical agent when used. 

1. A device for the helicoidal moulding or unmoulding of natural and artificial fibres, especially hair, comprising a tubular body of heat conducting material, the periphery of said body having at least one heloicoidal rib being integral with said body and which runs from one end of said body to the other, end retainer elements secured at the ends of said tubular body and capable of fixing the material to be moulded or unmoulded and pins with curved arms adapted to be positioned around said tubular body to ensure the correct pressure on the coils thereby formed.
 2. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which said body periphery is smooth and continuous between the spires of said helicoidal rib.
 3. A device for the helicoidal moulding or unmoulding of natural and artificial fibres, especially hair, comprising a tubular body of heat conducting material, the periphery of said body having at least one heloicoidal rib which runs from one end of said body to the other and whose function is to direct the hair therearound so that the hair acquires a helicoidally wound position whereby in the case of moulding, will produce in such hair permanent coils when said body is heated, whereas in the unmoulding operation, this hair will lose their initial curl and will acquire another form, as required, end retainer elements adapted to be secured at the ends of said tubular body and capable of containing the material to be moulded or unmoulded and pins with curved sides adapted to be POSITIONED AROUND SAID TUBULAR body to ensure the correct pressure on the coils thereby formed, said tubular body has at least one of its ends open and the other end closed, a lid closing said open end, retainer elements for the hair detachably connected to said lid and said body closed end.
 4. A device as claimed in claim 3 in which said retainer elements are composed of two H shaped parts, whose crosspieces have stubs, said closed base of the said tubular body, and said lid having recesses in which said stubs are detachably inseRted.
 5. A device as claimed in claim 3 in which said retainer elements comprise flanges which protrude from the two ends of said body and which have radial prongs suitable for limiting the winding of the hair.
 6. A device for the helicoidal moulding or unmoulding of natural and artificial fibres, especially hair, comprising a tubular body of heat conducting material, the periphery of said body having at least one heloicoidal rib which runs from one end of said body to the other and whose function is to direct the hair therearound so that the hair acquires a helicoidally wound position whereby in the case of moulding, will produce in such hair permanent coils when said body is heated, whereas in the unmoulding operation, this hair will lose their initial curl and will acquire another form, as required, end retainer elements secured at the ends of said tubular body and capable of containing the material to be moulded or unmoulded and pins with curved sides adapted to be positioned around said tubular body to ensure the correct pressure on the coils thereby formed,said tubular body is of a frust-conical configuration and stiff material, said helicoidal rib being discontinuous providing interruptions therein which facilitate the circulation of the air, heat and chemical agent when used. 